An Overview

Wastewater contains relatively large amount of organic matter, solids, and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Improper discharge of any of these may adversely impact the chemical and biological balances of the environment. Untreated wastes may also spread disease to humans.

The purpose of a wastewater plant is to first collect and transport the wastewater to a treatment plant. There it is treated to remove dissolved and particulate organic matter, solids, nutrients and pathogens to levels that will not cause an adverse impact on human health or the environment. These goals are met by constructing a treatment plant that employs biological, chemical and physical treatment processes.